Journal of Cluster Science最新文献

The development of multifunctional nanomaterials with antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties is of growing interest in biomedical research. In this study, hybrid nanoflowers (hNFs) were successfully synthesized using ellagic acid as the organic component and copper (Cu²⁺), cobalt (Co²⁺), and zinc (Zn²⁺) ions as the inorganic components. The resulting nanostructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Their bioactivities were comprehensively evaluated, including antioxidant capacity (via DPPH and ABTS assays), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity, cytotoxic effects on A549 human lung carcinoma cells (MTT assay), antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (MDR E. coli) using the broth microdilution method, and antibiofilm activity against MRSA and MDR E. coli via crystal violet staining. Among the hNFs, EA@Zn-hNFs displayed the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀: 13.50 ± 0.70 µg/mL; ABTS IC₅₀: 0.64 ± 0.01 µg/mL) and AChE inhibition (IC₅₀: 31.00 µg/mL), while EA@Co-hNFs showed the highest antibacterial potency, with MIC values of 16.00 ± 0.58 µg/mL against E. faecalis and 128.00 ± 1.02 µg/mL and 128.00 ± 0.83 µg/mL against both MRSA and MDR E. coli. EA@Co-hNFs also exhibited significant antiproliferative effects. Overall, the synthesized hNFs demonstrated dose-dependent multifunctional bioactivities and hold strong potential for future biomedical applications.

Vanadium-modified TiO₂ nanotubes were successfully prepared via a two-step method combining electrochemical anodization on Ti mesh and nanosecond pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The morphology of samples was discussed using FESEM and TEM techniques. The amount of deposited vanadium is measured using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed that deposited V is mainly in the oxidation state of V⁴⁺ and V⁵⁺. Optical properties were analysed using UV-Vis DRS and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). With lower vanadium content (V < 6 wt%), TiO₂ photocatalysts exhibit better photocatalytic activity, while higher vanadium content levels result in reduced activity. This indicates that the 200 V-TiO₂ (V ~ 2.5 wt%) sample degraded p-nitrophenol with an efficiency of 87.6% as opposed to 69.1% for TiO₂, after 300 min under simulated sunlight irradiation. Recycling photocatalytic experiment was performed to assess the durability of the photoactivities of the best V-TiO₂ sample. Photoelectrochemical analyses confirmed that moderate vanadium loading significantly lowers interfacial charge-transfer resistance and optimizes band bending, consistent with enhanced photocurrent density and photocatalytic performance. This study demonstrates that nanosecond PLD enables precise control of surface vanadium content, providing an effective strategy for the design of TiO₂-based photocatalysts for environmental remediation.

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Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy worldwide, with challenges in drug resistance and metastasis. To address these challenges, this study aims to synthesize selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Ziziphora tenuior L. extract via a green synthesis approach and evaluate their physicochemical and anticancer properties. SeNPs were synthesized by reducing sodium selenite with ascorbic acid in the presence of a plant extract as a stabilizer, followed by drying and calcination. Characterization was performed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential analysis. Results confirmed the formation of spherical SeNPs with an average size of 14 ± 2 nm, a hydrodynamic diameter of 130 ± 32 nm, and a zeta potential of -6.2 ± 1.2 mV. Cytotoxicity assays revealed selective toxicity of SeNPs toward SW620 colorectal cancer cells (IC₅₀: 46.91 µg/mL at 24 h, 17.38 µg/mL at 48 h) compared to normal HFF cells (IC₅₀: 89.06 µg/mL at 24 h). SeNPs induced dose-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, G2/M cell cycle arrest, and late apoptosis in SW620 cells, accompanied by upregulated Bax/Bcl-2 and p53 mRNA expression. In conclusion, green-synthesized SeNPs using Ziziphora tenuior L. extract display promising anticancer potential and biocompatibility, supporting their further development as candidates for colorectal cancer therapy.

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The study reports the eco – friendly fabrication and description of selenium–cerium bimetallic nanoparticles (SeCe BNPs) using Cinnamomum Camphora foliage extract. The emergence of SeCe BNPs was established by “UV visible” spectroscopy via observable pigment changes and Surface Plasmon Resonance peaks at 250 nm and 650 nm. Powder X–ray diffraction pattern (PXRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) affirm an amorphous structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR - TEM) identified spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 60 nm, exhibiting agglomeration behaviour. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) indicated high stability and a polydispersion composition, while zeta potential analysis confirmed good dispersion. The FT-IR analysis detected significant phytochemicals responsible for reduction and capping. X–ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) ascertained the existence of selenium and cerium along with their respective oxidation states. BET analysis showed a specific surface area of 2.5m²/g, indicating suitability for photo-catalytic applications. Under visible light irradiation, these nanoparticles achieved 97% deterioration of brilliant green dye beyond 120 min. Catalytic performance varied with dye concentration, catalyst dosage, p^H, and temperature. The degradation process was accompanied by both pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetics, while chemisorption followed a pseudo-second-order mechanism, suggesting chemisorption. The SeCe BNPs exhibited strong bactericidal activity against Gram–negative bacteria and demonstrated enhanced anticancer potential at higher concentrations, making them promising for biomedical applications. This is the first report on the green synthesis of SeCeBNPs using camphora extract for environmental remediation.

The remediation of pharmaceutical-contaminated water bodies is imperative for environmental and public health protection. In this study, a green, one-step in-situ synthesis of Ag@SnO₂ nanocomposite was achieved using Dryopteris cristata leaf extract as bio-reductant and stabilizer. Comprehensive characterization using XRD, PL, FT-IR, UV-Vis., SEM-EDX, TEM-SAED, and BET confirmed the successful incorporation of Ag nanoparticles into the SnO₂ matrix, narrowing the bandgap from 3.16 eV (pure SnO₂) to 2.99 eV and enhancing separation of photogenerated electron-hole (e⁻/h⁺) pairs, contributing to superior photocatalytic performance under visible light. The photocatalyst demonstrated excellent visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation efficiency of naproxen (NPX) (96.85 ± 1.37% in 40 min) via an H₂O₂-assisted photo-Fenton-like mechanism, following pseudo-first-order kinetics (k = 0.0946 min^− 1). The high quantum yield (6.53 × 10^− 2 molecule photon^− 1) and figure of merit (1.67 × 10^− 1) showed the photocatalytic efficiency and energy utilization. The catalyst demonstrated broad efficacy against various pharmaceutical contaminants and maintained robust performance under different conditions and competing inorganic ions. Mechanistic studies, including radical scavenging and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis, identified key reactive oxygen species (ROS) and degradation intermediates, while chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) reductions confirmed significant mineralization. This cost-effective, eco-friendly photocatalyst offers high visible-light responsiveness, low catalyst dosage requirements, and excellent reusability up to five cycles, presenting a viable solution for the efficient removal of emerging contaminants from wastewater, contributing toward water sustainability goals.

Novel Tin Dioxide-copper Oxide-Alginate (SnO₂-CuO-SA) and Tin Dioxide-Nickel Oxide-Alginate (SnO₂-NiO-SA) nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared using Psidium guajava (P. guajava) leaf extract. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of tetragonal rutile phase with average crystallite size of 67.8 nm and 58.1 nm for SnO₂-CuO-SA and SnO₂-NiO-SA NCs, respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analysis shows, synthesis SnO₂-CuO-SA and SnO₂-NiO-SA NCs formed spherical structures, with an average particles 60.77 nm and 41.59 nm, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) studies showed that the SnO₂-CuO-SA and SnO₂-NiO-SA NCs contain exclusively of C 1s, O 1s, Sn 3d, Cu 2p and Ni 2p oxidation state, respectively. The SnO₂-NiO-SA NCs potential to inhibits both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strain as than SnO₂-CuO-SA NCs. Moreover, the anticancer efficacy of NCs were tested using (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) MTT cell viability assay against Trible negative breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231) lines. The SnO₂-CuO-SA and SnO₂-NiO-SA NCs exhibited IC₅₀ value of 8.8 and 5.8 µg/mL, respectively. Antioxidant activity of SnO₂-NiO-SA NCs have highest scavenging activity than SnO₂-NiO-SA NCs. The results demonstrated that in vitro analysis showed SnO₂-NiO-SA NCs could be promising therapeutic agents in antibacterial and anticancer treatment.

Lanthanide doped non-metal molecular clusters are a research hotspot due to their potential applications in materials such as semiconductors, catalysis, and detector. To explore the structure and properties of La doped S molecular clusters, the neutral and anionic La₆S_n^0/− clusters (n = 1–12) were investigated by using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The structural evolution law of neutral ground state molecular clusters La₆S_n (n = 1–12): When n = 1–8, the increased S atoms are sequentially adsorbed on the surface of La₆ octahedron. When n = 9–12, one S atom is adsorbed inside the La₆ octahedron, while the other S atoms are adsorbed on the different surface of La₆ octahedron. The structural evolution law of anionic molecular clusters La₆S_n⁻ (n = 1–12) is basically consistent with neutral ones, except that the structure of n = 9–12 is slightly different. The stability calculation of the ground state structure indicates that the La₆S₈⁻ molecular cluster shows strong thermodynamic and relative stability. The adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP) and density of states (DOS) exploration of the La₆S₈⁻ molecular cluster confirmed that the interaction between La and S atoms enhances the stability. Furthermore, the simulated the ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra suggests that La₆S₈⁻ is candidate material for efficient solar cells and high-performance photodetection devices.

Genistein (Gen) a naturally occurring isoflavone, has attracted significant interest in the fields of pharmaceutical research due to its diverse biological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. However, its clinical application has been substantially constrained by poor aqueous solubility, chemical instability, and low oral bioavailability. To address these challenges, various nanotechnology-based delivery systems including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, protein-based nanocarriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, and metallic nanoparticles have been extensively investigated to enhance the physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetic profiles of Gen. Despite the rapid progress in this field, a comprehensive review summarizing recent advances in the preparation techniques, delivery mechanisms, and practical applications of Gen nanopreparations has been lacking in recent years. This review systematically highlights the design strategies, carrier types, and fabrication methods of Gen-loaded nanodelivery systems, and critically discusses their mechanisms in enhancing Gen’s bioavailability and functional performance. Furthermore, the review analyzes patent landscapes and clinical progress to underscore translational potential, offering a theoretical framework and technological guidance for product development and early clinical translation.

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A d-α-Tocopheryl Polyethylene Glycol-1000 Succinate (TPGS)-functionalized nanoparticle formulation was developed for the co-delivery of Paclitaxel (PTX) and Gefitinib (GEF) to achieve synergistic therapeutic efficacy against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To determine the optimal drug ratio, multiple PTX: GEF combinations were evaluated in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells. Among the tested ratios, 0.72:0.25 (w/w) demonstrated the most pronounced cytotoxic response, with a combination index (CI) of 0.547, confirming a strong synergistic interaction between PTX and GEF. Co-loaded nanoparticles were prepared using the single emulsion solvent evaporation method and surface-functionalized with TPGS to enhance cellular uptake, stability, and therapeutic performance. The TPGS-functionalized co-loaded nanoparticles exhibited a mean particle size of 246.7 ± 4.5 nm, a PDI of 0.28 ± 0.03, and a zeta potential of − 21.6 ± 2.8 mV, with high entrapment efficiencies of 87.3 ± 3.4% for PTX and 80.5 ± 2.9% for GEF. In cellular uptake studies, TPGS-functionalized co-loaded nanoparticles achieved 2.87-fold higher internalization in MDA-MB-231 cells compared to free drugs, resulting in the lowest IC₅₀ (0.87 ± 0.38 µg/mL) among all formulations. Furthermore, 3-D spheroid experiments demonstrated enhanced penetration and therapeutic efficiency, yielding a 2.8-fold reduction in spheroid volume from Day 0 to Day 8 (147.38 ± 12.33 mm³ to 50.09 ± 3.87 mm³). Overall, these findings indicate that the optimized PTX: GEF ratio, delivered via TPGS-functionalized nanoparticles, facilitates enhanced cellular uptake, potent cytotoxicity, and improved tumor penetration, representing a promising strategy for synergistic and targeted therapy in aggressive TNBC.

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